Saturday, 20 October 2012

The Hollywood Costume Exhibition has already been described as the 'best ever' exhibition at the V&A! During her introductory talk to a packed lecture theatre, Professor Deborah Nadoolman Landis described the exhibition with passion and enthusiasm. As guest curator, she and assistant curator, Keith Lodwick, had spent 5 years working on the exhibition, bringing together the costumes and developing the amazing imagery and graphics. Many of the costumes were tracked down and borrowed from private collectors.

Stunning graphics, a multitude of screens and innovative tabletop projection techniques bring the process of costume design to life. A 'conversation' between Meryl Streep and Robert de Niro is a highlight. The actors discuss costume in detail 'seated' amongst some of their most famous outfits.

Professor Landis emphasised that all costume design begins with the screenplay and that the ideas for good design are often found in the script. Excerpts from the scripts are highlighted along side each costume in the first display room. For example, a detailed breakdown of Indiana Jones' iconic clothing (designed by Professor Landis) shows exactly why the design decisions had been made, even down to the depth of the brim on his hat!

Sunday, 14 October 2012

I had an excellent day at the V&A today with my City and Guilds Tutor, Loraine McClean of Knit Design Online. Loraine had organised a meeting of her students so that we could discuss work and look at sources of inspiration together. It was great to catch up with everyone and see what some of the other students had been working on. We visited the Wrought Iron Gallery and almost any piece there could inspire knit design! Here are a few of my highlights.

There was also a display of 'Fashion and Armour' Garments by Juliana Sissons in the Wrought Iron Gallery. Juliana was a designer in residence at the V&A from July to December 2010. Her knitted garments combine clever techniques and different yarn types and were all inspired by armour from the V&A collections. I particularly liked the combination of wire and knitting. This made 3D form that could be manipulated and held in place by the wire part of the knitting.

Saturday, 13 October 2012

I have just got home from a great day at Alexandra Palace.
So many great exhibitors and lots to see and do.
I took part in an e textiles workshop and discovered how to make a circuit using conductive thread to light up some small leds. Our tutor, Rosie from Goldsmith's College, also showed us examples of applied circuits. These included bendy fabric keyboards, a solar powered backpack for charging devices and gloves with conductive material in the tips so that you can work you touchscreen devices without taking off your gloves. Fantastic!

A visit to John Allen's exhibition was very inspiring and his carpets based on landscape were beautiful. We have been hearing about the development of the carpets in his Design Group and it was great to see the completed work. John talked to us about the 'cutting in' technique he used to highlight features on the carpets.

My button collection has grown again after a stop at the Textile Garden stand. Cant wait to design garments to put these buttons and fastenings on.

My last workshop was learning to make a wire crochet bracelet with beads. Although I found it fiddly at first, I was very happy with the results. Tutor Kath was very helpful and I found out how to add the fastenings too. All in an hour!

Tuesday, 2 October 2012

This is a great day to begin blogging and write my first post!
The Knitter Magazine is 50 issues old today and it has combined creativity with 'knitability' from the first issue. As well as enjoying an excellent issue with all sorts of ideas and inspirations, I am very excited, as my Autumn Garden Cowl and Wristwarmer pattern is in the magazine.
The photo of the cowl and the short wristwarmers is one of the little cover images and there is a three page spread inside. There is also a great picture of the bright pink version!
My pattern is also available to buy separately on the Knitter's sister website, The Making Spot.
For more information about the Knitter Magazine, click here for The Knitter Home Page.

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About Me

I am an enthusiastic and creative knitter with a strong interest in the design and technical aspects of knitting. In this regard, I am proud to be a contributor to magazines such as The Knitter, Simply Knitting and Knit Today and a designer for Yarn Stories.
As an active member of the Knitting & Crochet Guild, I regularly contribute articles to the Guild publication, Slipknot. You can always find me on the Guild Stand at events like the Knitting and Stitching Show, so please come along and say hello!
As well as being an experienced knitter, I am City and Guilds qualified, having completed the Level Three Certificate and Diploma in Hand Knit Textiles.
An important part of my design research involves attending knitting events such as the Knitting and Stitching Show, The Knitting History Forum and the ‘In the Loop’ Conferences. Additionally, I find lots of inspiration at the Victoria and Albert Museum through gallery visits and participating in events, talks and study days.
On my knitting needles at the moment are new projects and designs that combine multiple techniques with innovative ideas.